Our branch in West Yorkshire
Learn, collaborate and network with CIPD members and people professionals in West Yorkshire
Learn, collaborate and network with CIPD members and people professionals in West Yorkshire
Welcome to the CIPD Branch in West Yorkshire and thank you for your interest in what we do. My name is Cat Macdonald, I'm the current Branch Chair. As an experinced people professional with over 20 years in the field, I’m passionate about driving business success through strategic human resource management. Throughout my career, I've collaborated with diverse sectors, including manufacturing, retail, leisure, education, financial services, logistics, engineering, and media.
At this branch, we aim to support and inspire the ongoing development of our members and create opportunities to exchange ideas and thinking on the evolving people profession. Our dedicated volunteer committee organises a wide range of events, forums and special interest groups to engage our members, ranging from those just entering the people profession to experienced practitioners and senior leaders.
Your involvement with the branch is key for us to help design and deliver relevant events, information and resources to support you.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please feel free to email us.
We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you on one of our events soon.
Cat Macdonald, Chartered FCIPD
Branch Chair of West Yortkshire
Our members rate their access to a local branch in their top three membership benefits. Come along to our branch events to discover other CIPD benefits. Explore the issues and trends impacting our profession. Network, learn and share ideas with people professionals in our area.
Keen to get involved, give back or raise your profile? Whatever your skills and interests we welcome new branch members, committee members or support in organising events. Like to know more? or have an idea for an event, please contact us to find out what is involved and contribute to our work.
We elect our committee each summer at our branch annual meeting but welcome ideas and suggestions for topics to cover at branch events all year round.
If there is anything we can do to help support you, please email the branch: wyork@cipdbranch.co.uk
Our members rate their access to a local branch in their top three membership benefits. With workshops, round tables, panel discussions and expert speakers, our thought-provoking events cover everything our community needs. Come along to our branch events to explore the issues and trends impacting our profession. Network, learn and share ideas with people professionals in our area.
The branch organises a programme of events and seminars on a variety of topics from September to July each year to support your continued professional development, underpinned by the Profession Map. These sessions are listed in Eventbrite and can be accessed via the "See what's coming up in West Yorkshire" link above.
Our branch events are usually held online or at different locations as the branch covers a large geographical area. We sometimes collaborate with other branches on virtual events, and members from around the world are welcome to join.
Keen to get involved, give back or raise your profile? Whatever your skills and interests, learn more about branch volunteering.
Just starting out on your career? Want to meet experienced people professionals and keep up to date with all the topics you cover in your studies? We’re here for you as you study for your CIPD qualification.
Our student ambassador programme has been created to:
CIPD members wishing to be an ambassador will be given a two-hour training session and standardised materials for delivering career talks. This is a fantastic way for members to build up their experience and gather evidence that could contribute to progressing your membership. For more information or to get involved, please contact us by email.
The CIPD member to member mentoring programme connects People Professionals to help you develop your skills, learn from one another and progress within your career.
Whether you are looking for a mentor, want to share your expertise as a mentor or perhaps both, it has never been easier with our online platform.
Want to get involved? Got an idea for an event? We want to hear from you!
Email usOur special interest groups are all about bringing together people professionals who share the same passions, to connect, swap ideas, and learn from each other.
This autumn (2025), we are excited to launch two brand-new groups. Get in touch to find out more, and let us know what other special interest groups you’d like to see in the future.
We have established a popular special interest group which meets several times per year to discuss and explore ways of working together and building a supportive environment for independent consultants and other freelance people professionals.
These events are popular and receive excellent feedback. Check out our events page to look for the next meeting of our independent consultant group.
Get in touch to find out more. And let us know your ideas for other special interest groups.